The scale...

crashbutterfly

Hey all,

I recently bought a new scale because I thought my new "cheap" scale wasn't accurate. The new scale cost over $100 and it's not accurate either! I have used a 25lb weight to try and test for accuracy and the old one is .2 over, and the new one is .2 under. I get that .2 of a lb isn't a lot, but when I weigh myself there is a whole 2 lb difference, not a .2 difference. I don't know which scale to trust or use and I'm getting really frustrated. My husband says it shouldn't matter, but for someone who is trying to reach a goal, it is! I've been taking my weight on both and then averaging the number. Is this a good method, or should i try something different? Also, they are digital so I dont know of a way to calibrate them any differently. Thanks!

MissAnjy

pick one scale, and only use it. Every scale is going to be different slightly. When my kids go to the hospital, they show 2lbs higher than the doctors office (and those are heavy duty scales). All they recommend is that you use one scale & weigh at the same time of day, same clothes (naked or not).Don't worry about the difference between the 2.

meggonkgonk

I would just say pick one and and as long as its consistent, follow it until you get to your last 5 or so lbs - and then you really need a professional scale (like a doctors appt or at a gym) to get completely accurate.

I would say tho, return the expensive one and just watch the trend go down, and stop losing when what you see in the mirror, or your measurements seem reasonable.

trent_sluiter

That is frustrating! Try weighing yourself at a gym or somewhere that has an actual weighted scale and then use both scales to figure out which one is the closest. Then use that one.

ladyhawk00

First, I agree with your husband that .2 isn't enough to be worried about. That said, you can take 10 different scales, regardless of price, and probably get 10 different readings. So I wouldn't worry about which one is "accurate". Pick one and stay with it. Because even if it's off a tiny bit from another one, it will still be off the same amount the next time you weigh - so you still know what the difference is between weighings.

Finally, remember that the scale is NOT a god. It should not be the only (or even primary) measure of your success. Use measurements and how you look and feel. Here is a really great thread that talks about why you shouldn't trust ANY scale completely, and need to focus more on other methods of tracking. Good luck to you!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/160943-why-the-scale-lies

crashbutterfly

Thanks! I need to stop stressing over the number, as long as I see a continuous drop!

cbirdso

This is pretty much a universal problem. Can you return the expensive scale? If so just use the cheap one to keep track of losses. I don't REALLY know my exact weight, but I do know that realitive to any measure I am less than what I was before. I don't even trust the doctor's scale because I am weighed later in day, after a meal, with a full bladder, fully clothed, etc. When I weigh at home, it is in the morning, after emptying my bladder and before I eat with just my underwear on. Therefore, when I see a loss, I can measure at least that portion accurately.

trent_sluiter

Also, judging by how amazing you have been doing. Regardless of the scale you will reach your goal very soon!